Director of GI Oncology – Cancer Center Leadership Opportunity at the Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Oregon
Position Description:
Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon is seeking a visionary and highly accomplished Medical Oncologist to serve as Director of GI Oncology, leading the development of a nationally recognized GI Oncology program within one of the country’s most innovative cancer care and research environments. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and build a cutting-edge GI Oncology program, leveraging the world-class expertise of the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in immunotherapy. The ideal candidate will be excited by the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and clinical research, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to GI malignancies.
This is more than a clinical leadership position — it is a strategic, program-building opportunity designed for a leader with the passion, expertise, and entrepreneurial mindset to shape the future of gastrointestinal cancer care, research, and outcomes nationally.
Mount Hood Reflection at Trillium Lake
Position Details
- Job Title: Director of GI Oncology
- Employer: Providence Cancer Institute
- Location: Portland, Oregon
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, growth, and implementation of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary GI Oncology program with clear metrics for excellence in clinical outcomes, research engagement, and patient experience.
- Provide expert clinical care for patients with all types of gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Develop and execute a strategic plan that expands clinical services, subspecialty care pathways (e.g., HPB, colorectal, neuroendocrine), and collaborates with regional partners to elevate Providence’s GI Oncology footprint.
- Drive clinical research initiatives and integrate translational findings into evidence-based practice.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and researchers, to provide high-quality, coordinated care.
- Oversee and enhance clinical trial participation, including innovative early-phase, immunotherapy and precision oncology studies.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary GI Oncology faculty and support team.
- Engage in community, professional, and advocacy efforts to elevate awareness and early detection of GI cancers.
- Work closely with institutional leadership to secure program resources, investments, and alignment with broader Providence strategic priorities.
- Help to build a regional multidisciplinary GI Oncology program that will be recognized nationally for patient care and clinical research.
Required Qualifications
- Required Qualifications:
- Medical Degree (MD or DO) from an accredited institution.
- Board Certified in Medical Oncology.
- Demonstrated expertise in gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Proven leadership experience with demonstrable success in building, managing, and growing clinical programs.
- Commitment to integrating clinical research with patient care.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and team leadership.
- Eligibility for medical licensure in the state of Oregon.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in immunotherapy, adoptive cell therapy, precision oncology or their application in GI cancers.
- Academic credentials aligned with appointment at Associate or Full Professor level.
- A track record of scholarly productivity and clinical trial leadership.
Providence Cancer Center in Portland, Oregon
Key Selling Points
Strategic Program Building
Providence is investing significant resources and executive support to establish a world-class GI Oncology program that spans clinical excellence, clinical trial innovation, and translational discovery.
You will have the platform, autonomy, and operational support to influence clinical care pathways, research direction, faculty recruitment, and care integration across Providence’s regional network.
Research & Innovation Powerhouse
The GI Oncology program will have close integration with the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a Providence Center of Excellence for precision immuno-oncology and cellular therapy with more than 400 total clinical trials and over 150 open and enrolling studies — including investigator-initiated, cooperative group, and early-phase research.
Providence’s research infrastructure — characterized by 45,000+ square feet of dedicated research space, advanced core facilities, and extensive genomic and immune profiling capabilities — accelerates discovery and brings cutting-edge treatments from lab bench to bedside.
High-Impact Collaborative Environment
- Multidisciplinary partnerships with surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, genetics, and supportive care ensure comprehensive care delivery and cross-disciplinary trial design.
- Leverage Providence’s regional network of clinics and hospitals to expand GI care access and research participation across Oregon and beyond.
- Partner with nationally recognized leaders locally and regionally to shape program direction.
Advanced Clinical Capabilities
Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon offers state-of-the-art technology and treatment platforms, including MRI-guided radiation therapy and advanced surgical methodologies, ensuring that GI Oncology patients receive highly personalized and cutting-edge care.
Program Building Opportunity
- Program Building Opportunity: Build a world-class GI Oncology program upon an existing foundation of infrastructure, expertise (surgical, radiation, research, etc.), and with full backing and investment from an executive team that has identified GI Oncology as a strategic area of focus and investment for the future.
- Radiation Oncology Partnership: Collaborate with Oregon Clinical Radiation Oncology and utilize the region’s only MR Linac, offering potential for groundbreaking work in radiation and chemotherapy, especially in collaboration with Dr. Kristina Young for pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers.
- Future Collaborations: Opportunities for collaboration on rectal cancer with Dr. Whiteford, a national leader in clinical trials.
- Active Clinical Trials: Engage with 18 active clinical trials for GI oncology, enhancing research and patient care.
- GI Oncology Team: Work with a dedicated team including Dr. Emily Lin, Dr. Rui Li, and support from locum physicians, with immediate hiring capability for a team of 3 FTE Hem/Onc specialists.
- Institutional Support: Benefit from new leadership and vision under Dr. Kenneth Grossmann and Dr. Kelly Perlewitz, driving exciting opportunities and growth in the program.
- Dual Campus Opportunities: Collaborate across Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent, ensuring comprehensive care and access to state-of-the-art facilities and research labs.
Earle A Chiles Research Institute | A Leader in Immunotherapy and Immuno-Oncology Research
New Surgical Expansions:
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Program: The addition of two new hepatobiliary surgeons, Dr. Jon Gerry and Dr. John Creasy, expands our expertise and services. Dr. Gerry, the new Medical Director of Hepatobiliary Surgery, will also serve as Director of the Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Fellowship, emphasizing our commitment to addressing complex HPB cases. Dr. Creasy specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, enhancing our surgical oncology capabilities.
- Foregut Cancer Program: Under the co-direction of Dr. Navi Dharampal and Dr. Melissa DeSouza, the program ensures comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for esophageal cancer patients, integrating minimally invasive surgery and advanced endoscopic approaches.
- New Surgical Clinics: Two new liver, pancreas, and surgical oncology clinics at Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent will provide cutting-edge surgical care, multidisciplinary oncology expertise, and access to promising clinical trials for HPB cancer patients.
The Providence Cancer Center is committed to cutting-edge research and clinical excellence.
Earle A. Chiles Research Institute:
- Research Excellence: Since 1993, the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute has been a leader in cancer research, focusing on cancer immunotherapy and the integration of genomic sequencing and personalized medicine to accelerate groundbreaking discoveries.
- Innovative Research: The institute’s physician scientists, such as Dr. Marka Crittenden and Dr. Kristina Young, have made significant contributions to understanding the immune response to radiation therapy and developing clinical trials that combine radiation with immunotherapy.
- Pioneering Therapies: Recent studies include groundbreaking work in adoptive cell therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer by Dr. Eric Tran and Dr. Rom Leidner, leading to international recognition and FDA approval of new immunotherapy treatments.
- Collaborative Environment: The institute fosters collaborations across multiple disciplines, offering a unique environment for innovative research and the development of practice-changing therapies in immunotherapy, immuno-oncology, and cellular therapy.
Where You’ll Work:
Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon
Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon brings together leading cancer specialists, clinical and research teams, including the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center on the campus of Providence Portland Medical Center, as well as top-rated oncology clinics across Oregon. The Institute’s multidisciplinary approach, scientific rigor, and patient-centered mission have helped make immunotherapy a new standard of cancer care. The tumor-site-specific teams work together to provide the best care possible and access to the most promising clinical trials and advanced technology.
Providence Health System:
Providence Health System: Key Facts and Figures
Providence Health System is one of the largest health systems in the U.S., with over 120,000 caregivers serving in 52 hospitals and 1,085 clinics across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. This extensive network provides a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking multi-site research and clinical discovery, leveraging the size and scope of the organization to drive innovative healthcare solutions. Providence’s comprehensive range of health and social services touches millions of lives, ensuring high-quality, compassionate healthcare for everyone, regardless of coverage or ability to pay. With a strong commitment to healthcare transformation, Providence continues to advance best practices and integrate cutting-edge research into patient care, setting the standard for future healthcare models.
Where You’ll Live:
Portland, Oregon
Experience the iconic charm of Portland’s Old Town as the sun sets.
Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city with a population of 2.3 million, known for its rich character, diverse dining options, and thriving arts scene. The city is home to the Portland Trail Blazers and offers a high quality of life with strong neighborhood identities and community bonds. As an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Portland is ideally situated between waterfalls, beaches, Mt. Hood’s skiing and hiking trails, lush forests, and the stunning Columbia River Gorge.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Known as the “Silicon Forest,” Portland has a booming high-technology economy with major companies such as Intel, Tektronix, and Nike providing ample professional opportunities. The city’s west side, including neighborhoods like Tigard and Lake Oswego, is home to some of the highest-rated schools in the country, making it an attractive destination for families. With its blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and thriving economic landscape, Portland offers an ideal setting for professionals to relocate and flourish.
How to Apply:
The Providence Health System has retained the services of Academic Med to lead this national search effort for the role of Director of GI Oncology. The search will be led by Academic Med’s Gentry Zacheis and Jim Hagood. Please contact Jim Hagood, Managing Director of Academic Med at ji*@**********ed.com for inquiry, nomination, or application.
Join us at the Providence Cancer Institute and make a meaningful impact in the fight against GI malignancies. We look forward to your application!
Equal Opportunity Employment:
Providence Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Relevant Links
Want to learn more about this unique opportunity for a Director of GI Oncology to join the Providence Health System and to make a significant impact on patient care in Portland, Oregon, and across the US? See the links below for additional details: